Location: Saratoga Springs, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,630•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,540
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,178
Est. from NY median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,250
Est. from NY median (3 programs)

Analysis

Empire State University's human development program lands squarely in the middle of New York's competitive landscape, with estimated first-year earnings around $36,200—roughly what peer programs across the state produce and slightly above the national median of $33,500. The estimated debt load of $23,250 is modest by today's standards, particularly when stacked against the national median of $25,000 for this field.

The 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates from similar programs typically earn enough in their first year to make the debt manageable, though it's worth noting that human development careers often start at modest salaries and require patience for advancement. These estimates come from a small pool of comparable New York programs, so your child's actual outcomes could vary based on factors like internship quality, specific career focus (early childhood education versus social services, for example), and local job markets.

What matters most here is whether your child has a clear career path in mind. Human development degrees can lead to fulfilling work in counseling, family services, or education, but many positions in this field require graduate degrees for real earning power. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, the debt burden appears reasonable for entry-level social service salaries. If grad school is next, they should minimize borrowing now.

Where Empire State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Empire State University (estimated ±10%)Other human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs$7,630$36,178*—$23,250*—
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$38,401*$61,634$15,500*0.40
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$36,858*$44,252$22,981*0.62
Binghamton UniversityVestal$10,363$36,213*$44,767$19,500*0.54
SUNY OneontaOneonta$8,812$36,143*$44,711$23,250*0.64
State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh$8,881$35,025*$42,440$25,420*0.73
National Median—$33,543*—$25,000*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Empire State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.